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What Is A Golden Duck In Cricket? (image courtesy Deposit Photos)

In the world of cricket, a “golden duck” refers to a batsman being dismissed without scoring a single run on the very first ball they face in their innings. A golden duck is when a batter gets out on the first delivery they face, scoring zero runs. This unfortunate event is one of the most disappointing moments for any batsman, as their innings comes to an abrupt end before even getting a chance to settle in at the crease.

The Origins and Meaning of “Duck” in Cricket

The term “duck” in cricket has an interesting origin. It is believed to have stemmed from the phrase “out for a duck’s egg,” which refers to the shape of a zero being similar to that of a duck’s egg. When a batsman is dismissed without scoring, a zero is placed next to their name on the scorecard, resembling a duck’s egg.

Over time, the phrase was shortened to simply “out for a duck,” and eventually, just “duck.” A duck in cricket is a dismissal for zero runs, and it has become a common term used by cricket enthusiasts, commentators, and players alike.

Types of Ducks in Cricket

Apart from the golden duck, there are several other types of ducks in cricket, each referring to a specific scenario of a batsman’s dismissal without scoring.

Silver Duck

A silver duck occurs when a batsman is dismissed on the second ball they face without scoring any runs. While not as unfortunate as a golden duck, a silver duck is still a disappointing start to an innings.

Bronze Duck

A bronze duck refers to a batsman being dismissed on the third ball they face without scoring. Although slightly better than a golden or silver duck, a bronze duck is still considered a poor start to an innings.

Diamond Duck

A diamond duck is an extremely rare occurrence in cricket. It happens when a batsman is dismissed without facing a single legal delivery. This can occur due to a run-out or being dismissed off a wide ball.

Platinum Duck

A platinum duck, also known as a titanium duck, is an even rarer occurrence than a diamond duck. It refers to a batsman being dismissed without facing a single ball, legal or otherwise. This can happen if a batsman is run out before facing a delivery or if they are dismissed off a no-ball.

King Pair: The Ultimate Batting Nightmare

While a golden duck is a disappointing moment for any batsman, there is an even worse scenario that a batsman can face: the dreaded king pair. A king pair occurs when a batsman is dismissed for a golden duck in both innings of a match.

Imagine the frustration and embarrassment of walking out to bat, only to be sent back to the pavilion on the very first ball, not once, but twice in the same match. It is a batsman’s ultimate nightmare and a true test of their mental resilience.

Famous King Pairs in Cricket

While king pairs are relatively rare, there have been some notable instances throughout cricket history. One of the most famous king pairs was suffered by former England captain Mike Atherton against the West Indies in 1994. Atherton was dismissed by Courtney Walsh on the first ball of both innings, leaving him with the ignominy of recording a king pair.

Another memorable king pair was experienced by Indian batsman Virender Sehwag during the 2011 Test series against England. Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style, was dismissed by James Anderson on the first ball of both innings in the Edgbaston Test.

A golden duck is a batsman’s worst nightmare, representing the ultimate disappointment of being dismissed on the very first ball of their innings. However, it is also a reality of the game that every cricketer must learn to accept and overcome.

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